Meeting Urgent Needs of Kids and Families in War-Torn Ukraine: A Story of Hope and Healing

A Multi-Faceted Response to Diverse Needs

Running from May 2024 to April 2025, our project aims to provide life-saving information, assistance, and dignified access to quality child protection, education, and mental health services. We use community-based approaches to tackle trauma and distress, addressing child protection risks in community, kindergarten, and school settings across Eastern and Southern Ukraine. We implement in five oblasts including Dnipropetrovska, Donetska, Kharkivska, Zaporizka, and Mykolaivska, covering 11 raions and 19 hromadas.

Our mission is to improve access to safe, quality services, strengthen the capacities of teachers and educational personnel, and deliver crucial child protection and mental health support to the most vulnerable. Throughout the project, we are aiming to reach 42,705 people, including 26,506 children and 16,199 adults, while indirectly benefiting 67,480 more.

We are implementing evidence-based programs like BeThere, ReachNow, TeamUp, and Ukraine Teacher Wellbeing, developed by War Child and Montessori UA. Activities include art, sports, and other forms of psychosocial support to create a protective circle around children and help them find normalcy and joy.

Stories of Hope

The real impact of our work is best seen in the stories of Sasha, Yevhen, Leon, and Serhiy.

Sasha’s Journey

Sasha, an 11-year-old boy, struggled with social interactions and often displayed behaviors that didn’t match his age. At first, his mother dismissed them as mere quirks. But through our project, psychologists diagnosed him with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Through group activities and psychological support, Sasha began to thrive. His mom, initially resistant, eventually opened up: “I really saw that he is different from others. Do you know how embarrassing and difficult it is to admit?” With continuous support, Sasha now integrates better with his peers and enjoys school more.

Yevhen’s Development

Seven-year-old Yevhen, a bundle of energy, had trouble sitting still, focusing, and following social norms, leading to isolation. Structured sports activities and craft sessions helped channel his energy. Weekly consultations with a psychologist and guidance for his mom led to notable improvements in Yevhen’s behavior and social skills. He became more focused, self-regulating, and even improved academically. “Thanks to group physical activities, Yevhen improved his emotional state,” the team noted. Yevhen’s story shows the power of a holistic approach.

Leon’s Progress

Leon, a 9-year-old from Kharkiv, struggled with clear speech and social interactions, worsened by remote learning. Through speech therapy and structured activities, Leon improved his communication skills and social behaviors. He even made a new friend, Alina, a girl displaced from Luhansk. His mom shared her relief: “The son is engaged in interesting things that develop him and teach him how to deal with others.” Leon’s journey highlights the power of supportive community settings in building resilience.

Serhiy’s Transformation

Ten-year-old Serhiy experienced severe anxiety and mood swings after being displaced by the war. His behavioral issues made social interactions challenging. Through individual and group psychotherapeutic sessions and sports activities, Serhiy showed remarkable improvement. His mom, Svitlana, expressed her gratitude: “I really see changes in Serhiy’s behavior and attitude…it is difficult for me to go to talks with a psychologist, but I understand the child and myself better.” Serhiy’s story underscores the importance of targeted psychological support.

A Foundation for Recovery and a Brighter Future

The "Meeting Urgent Needs of Children and Families in War-Affected Communities" project is a beacon of hope in war-torn Ukraine. By addressing the comprehensive needs of children and their caregivers, we’re not just mitigating the immediate impacts of conflict; we are laying the foundation for long-term recovery and development.

These stories speak volumes about the strength and resilience of these kids and their families. War Child, alongside our local partners and supported by international funds, continues to strive towards creating a safer, more supportive environment for Ukraine’s most vulnerable children. We are adapting to challenges and staying committed to evidence-based practices, offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.

War Child is grateful for the support of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities (OCHA) for its programme in Ukraine.